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Career Opportunities

Paralegal careers are fast-paced and challenging. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that the number of individuals employed as paralegals and legal assistants will rise 8 percent between 2014-2024.

This occupation attracts many applicants and competition for paralegal jobs will be strong. Those with formal training, education, and strong computer and database management skills will have the best job prospects.

According to BLS the median paralegal salary in 2015 was $48,810 per year or $23.47 per hour.

Paralegals enjoy broad employment opportunities including:

Law offices and firms

Nonprofit organizations

Corporate in-house counsel offices

State and local government/courthouses

Banks

Insurance agencies

Local bar associations

The BLS notes that while not historically required to have formal education beyond an associate’s degree, many employers now prefer, or even require candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree.

The BLS also notes that although not required, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have passed paralegal certification exams.

The Eastern Kentucky University paralegal program is one of approximately 260 ABA-approved paralegal programs (out of over 1,000 paralegal programs overall) in the United States. The ABA requires ABA-approved programs to go through a rigorous review process, ensuring that the programs meet the ABA’s stringent requirements for program quality.

The laws of Kentucky and other states prohibit paralegals from engaging in the practice of law or providing legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law. Therefore, completion of a major, minor, or certificate in Paralegal Studies/Sciences does not entitle one to practice law, provide legal services directly to the public, or render legal advice, except as provided by law.